The news of Canoo’s bankruptcy has been met with disappointment across the electric vehicle (EV) community. This innovative company, known for its uniquely designed Canoo Electric Van, often likened to a “toaster” or “little electric minibus”, unfortunately couldn’t navigate the challenging path to EV manufacturing success. For years, many, including myself, admired and hoped for the success of Canoo, envisioning owning one of these distinctive vehicles. Shorter than a Subaru Impreza, yet surprisingly spacious, the canoo electric van promised a fresh perspective on vehicle design and utility. While the detailed account of Canoo’s financial struggles is well-documented, it’s the groundbreaking design of the canoo electric van that truly deserves recognition and a moment of reflection.
Richard Kim, Canoo’s design chief, perfectly captured the essence of their vision back in 2020, describing the canoo electric van as a “loft on wheels.” This wasn’t just marketing jargon; it was a fundamental principle that guided the vehicle’s development.
“Cars always have been designed to convey a certain image and emotion; however, we chose to completely rethink car design and focus on what future users will actually need. Thus, we came up with this loft-inspired vehicle.”
Canoo Electric Van front view, showcasing its unique design and toaster-like appearance
The Genius of the Skateboard Platform and Steer-by-Wire
A key innovation of the canoo electric van was its “skateboard” platform. This concept, popularized years ago, involves housing all critical components – batteries and motors – within a low, flat chassis. Canoo took this a step further, implementing a “steer-by-wire” system. This eliminated the traditional mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels, offering numerous advantages. Canoo highlighted these benefits:
“Steer-by-wire offers weight savings and paves the way for autonomous driving. We have complete freedom to locate the steering wheel to suit any cabin design and driver position. It also leads to a more responsive and smoother driving experience. Since steer-by-wire eliminates the need for a mechanical connection, there is more freedom to arrange the interior space of the vehicle to provide customers with exciting new vehicle options.”
Canoo's Skateboard platform, integrating batteries and motors for efficient electric vehicle architecture
Steer-by-wire system in Canoo electric van, highlighting innovative technology and spacious interior design
Enhanced Visibility and Practical Design
Beyond the technological advancements, the canoo electric van also prioritized practical design elements. One notable feature was the low front window, designed to improve visibility and enhance safety, especially in urban environments with pedestrians and cyclists. This thoughtful detail, combined with a suite of sensors, reflected a commitment to driver and pedestrian safety.
The boxy design, reminiscent of the classic Volkswagen bus, was not just an aesthetic choice. It maximized interior space and cargo capacity. Just as Volkswagen cleverly utilized their Beetle platform to create the iconic VW bus, Canoo leveraged their skateboard platform for versatility. This adaptability was evident in the canoo electric pickup truck variant, demonstrating the platform’s potential for various vehicle types.
Canoo Electric Pickup Truck side profile, demonstrating the versatility of the skateboard platform for different vehicle types
Drawing Inspiration from Automotive Pioneers
Canoo’s design philosophy echoed the innovative spirit of automotive pioneers like Buckminster Fuller. Fuller’s Dymaxion car, designed in the 1930s, challenged conventional automotive design by prioritizing functionality and efficiency. Similarly, the canoo electric van was designed “from first principles,” resulting in a vehicle that maximized space and utility while minimizing its footprint. This approach allowed the canoo electric van to offer a six-foot truck bed in a vehicle shorter than many standard SUVs.
As Bucky Fuller found back in 1934, when you design a vehicle from the ground up instead of from preconceptions and expectations, you get a different result.
Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion Car, an example of innovative vehicle design principles inspiring Canoo's approach
The comparison to the Volkswagen pickup truck further highlights Canoo’s functional design approach. Both vehicles prioritized utility and cargo capacity within a compact form factor.
Vintage Volkswagen Pickup Truck, a design comparison point for the Canoo electric pickup's functionality and form
The Challenge of Radical Design in the Automotive Market
Despite its innovative design and practical features, the canoo electric van faced an uphill battle. Radical departures from conventional vehicle aesthetics can be challenging for consumers to accept. The automotive industry often leans towards skeuomorphism, where new designs mimic familiar forms, even when those forms are no longer functionally necessary. This tendency can make truly innovative designs, like the canoo electric van, seem unconventional or even “ugly” to some.
Canoo Van interior, emphasizing the "loft on wheels" design concept and spacious cabin
A Legacy of Innovation
The bankruptcy of Canoo is undoubtedly a loss for the EV industry and for automotive design innovation. The canoo electric van represented a bold step towards rethinking vehicle design, prioritizing functionality, and embracing new technologies. While its journey has ended prematurely, the design principles and innovative spirit embodied by the canoo electric van deserve to be remembered and celebrated. It serves as a reminder that true progress often requires challenging conventions and daring to be different, even in the face of market pressures and public perception.
